Windmill Farm Park

The old windmill at Windmill Farm Park stands as a proper reminder of Leicestershire's agricultural past. It's one of those places that works on two levels - kids will sprint around the open grounds while adults actually pause to think about how the thing once milled grain for the whole area. The windmill itself dominates the landscape, and on a clear day you can see right across the surrounding farmland. Worth allowing a good hour here if you're bringing children, though it's not the sort of place that'll keep teenagers occupied for half the afternoon.

Free access and no faffing about with opening hours makes it ideal for a casual detour when you're staying nearby. Leicester's only a short drive away, so it fits well into a broader day out. The farm setting means there's room to walk around properly - not just a small plot you can cover in fifteen minutes.

If you're based at one of the nearby parks - Valley View Escapes and Fox's Furrow are both very close - this is the sort of local spot worth knowing about. It's the real Leicestershire rather than theme parks or shopping centres. Families who want their kids running about in fresh air rather than being herded through attractions will find it does exactly what it says. Windmill enthusiasts might find it a touch understated, but that's partly its charm. Go on a weekday if you can, when it's properly peaceful.